NPR News Now: April 24, 2025, 7 AM EDT

NPR News Now delivers the latest news in five minutes, updated hourly. In today's episode, April 24, 2025, the program covers a range of significant national and international issues, including legal battles over presidential tariffs, immigration enforcement, high-profile legal cases, cultural revivals amidst conflict, and scientific milestones. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. States Challenge President Trump's Global Tariffs

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Cameron Sanchez (Member Station KJZZ)

A coalition of twelve Democratic attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit aiming to block President Donald Trump's global tariffs, deeming them illegal. The attorneys argue that the authority to impose tariffs resides with Congress, not the executive branch.

Key Points:

• Legal Authority: The lawsuit contends that while the president may declare tariffs during emergencies, Trump's actions exceed his legal powers by imposing tariffs without just cause.
• Economic Impact: The attorneys general highlight that these tariffs will burden American consumers with higher costs.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Mays, Arizona Attorney General ([00:47]): "We are facing an unprecedented and lawless presidency, one that has made a habit over the last three months of disregarding the separation of powers and ignoring the two other co-equal branches of government."
• Cameron Sanchez ([01:04]): "The attorneys general are specifically challenging four of Trump's executive orders and argue the tariffs will leave Americans shouldering high costs."

Conclusion: The lawsuit represents a significant pushback from Democratic states against what they perceive as executive overreach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the balance of power as defined by the Constitution.

2. Detention of Columbia University Student Over Pro-Palestinian Activism

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Adrian Florido (NPR News)

A federal judge in Vermont has commenced hearings regarding the detention of Mohsin Madawi, a Columbia University student arrested by federal immigration authorities. The Trump administration seeks to deport Madawi due to his pro-Palestinian activism.

Key Points:

• Arrest Circumstances: Madawi was apprehended when he appeared for his U.S. citizenship test.
• Legal Arguments: Madawi's legal team argues that his detention is solely based on his political beliefs, infringing upon his First Amendment rights.

Notable Quotes:

• Cyrus Mehta, Lawyer for Madawi ([01:37]): "Mahsen Madawi was in the courtroom as his lawyers asked that he be granted bail. They argue the government is trying to deport him solely for his political activism, a violation of his First Amendment right to free speech."
• Mohsin Madawi ([01:53]): "I don't want people to lose hope, stay positive and believe in the inevitability of justice."

Conclusion: The case underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and civil liberties, particularly concerning political activism and free speech rights.

3. Harvey Weinstein's Retrial Resumes Amidst Legal Controversies

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Korva Coleman

The retrial of Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced Hollywood producer, has resumed in New York. Weinstein faces accusations of sexually abusing three women, a conviction that had previously been overturned by New York's highest court.

Key Points:

• Defense Strategy: Weinstein's lead attorney, Arthur Aidala, claims that the relationships were consensual, dismissing the accusers as manipulative.
• Prosecutorial Stance: Prosecutors maintain that the allegations are credible and serious, highlighting the impact on the victims.
• Related Convictions: Separately, Weinstein has been convicted of rape and sexual misconduct in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison, with his legal team appealing the decision.

Notable Quotes:

• Arthur Aidala, Weinstein's Attorney ([02:32]): "There was some serious relationships that Mr. Weinstein had with these people that were consensual."
• Lindsey Goldbrum, Lawyer for Accusers ([02:51]): "Were just simply mischaracterizations and outright mistruths as it is connected to the lives and the experiences of these women."

Conclusion: The ongoing legal battles surrounding Weinstein highlight the complexities of addressing sexual misconduct within the legal system, as well as the broader societal efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable.

4. Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Revival of Yiddish Language Amid Conflict

Host: Korva Coleman
Reporter: Robyn Estrin (Member Station KCRW, Santa Monica)

Today marks Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, a solemn occasion commemorating the six million Jews murdered during World War II. This year's observance occurs amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties, including thousands of Palestinian children.

Key Points:

• Yiddish Language Revival: Amidst these tensions, there is a notable resurgence in the use of Yiddish, the historic language of Ashkenazi Jews.
• Cultural Reconnection: Many Jews are embracing Yiddish as a means to reconnect with their heritage, especially after generations of assimilation.
• Political Identity: Some individuals critical of Israeli policies are exploring Jewish identity through Yiddish as a way to dissociate from Zionism.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Bunin Benor, Director of the Jewish Language Project ([03:53]): "Boomed nationwide during the pandemic."
• Lindsey Goldbrum ([04:01]): "There was a very strong spike in participating in Yiddish activities and Yiddish conversation groups and Duolingo and Yiddish wordle."
• Sarah Bunin Benor ([04:13]): "Duolingo, the language app, said by email that more than 360,000 Yiddish learners worldwide are on the platform today."

Conclusion: The revival of Yiddish serves as a cultural bridge for many Jews seeking to reconnect with their roots and navigate their identities in a complex socio-political landscape.

5. 35th Anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope Launch

Host: Korva Coleman

Today marks the 35th anniversary of NASA's launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, a pivotal instrument in modern astronomy. Over the decades, Hubble has provided stunning images and invaluable data that continue to support major scientific research and discoveries.

Key Points:

• Scientific Impact: Hubble's contributions have been instrumental in preparing significant scientific papers, advancing our understanding of the universe.
• Longevity and Legacy: The telescope's enduring functionality and wealth of data highlight the success of long-term space missions.

Conclusion: Celebrating Hubble's 35 years underscores the profound impact of space exploration on scientific knowledge and our appreciation of the cosmos.

Final Notes:

The episode effectively covers a broad spectrum of topics, from political and legal battles to cultural and scientific milestones. By incorporating direct quotes with precise timestamps, the summary provides a comprehensive overview that captures the essence of each story, ensuring that listeners are well-informed even if they missed the episode.